Top 10 Vitamin Deficiencies - Listverse Top 10 Vitamin Deficiencies Kate Mulcahy March 16, 2012 Until quite recently, the role vitamins play in good health was largely unknown. Explorers in the renaissance found that on ships where they ate salted meat and grain, a huge variety of diseases appeared that were cured by eating a more varied diet. People began to suspect the existence of vitamins, tiny substances which were needed to sustain good health. There have been several Nobel Prizes given to scientists who correctly identified specific vitamins, as they allowed thousands of people to avoid death from deficiencies simply by eating a certain food. Today vitamin deficiencies still occur in developing countries or in those who have restrictive diets, but centuries ago people lived in fear of these deadly deficiencies whose causes were unknown and seemed to affect people at random. 10 Beriberi Beriberi is a disease whose symptoms include weight loss, body weakness and pain, brain damage, irregular heart rate, heart failure, and death if left untreated. It was endemic in Asia for a long time. Strangely, Beriberi occurred almost exclusively amongst the richer members of society, and was unknown in the poor.

Although recognized to be a nutritional deficiency, doctors were baffled as to why wealthy people with plentiful and clean food would fall victim to beriberi whereas the poor with limited food did not. As it turned out, beriberi is a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine) which is found in cereal grain husks. The rich had been washing their rice so well that they removed the husk with its vitamin B1, whereas the poor did not wash their food as well and consumed enough vitamin B1. White bread can also potentially cause beriberi, so today developed countries add extra vitamin B1 to it. Beriberi is now found mostly in alcoholics whose bodies become poor at absorbing vitamin B1. Don’t let this happen to you! Buy Nature Made Super B Complex at Amazon.com! 9 Pellagra After the discovery and exploration of the Americas, corn was grown by settlers and all around the world. The natives who had originally grown it would treat it with lime, but the taste was unpleasant to the Europeans and they omitted this part of the preparation. As corn was increasingly farmed, the disease pellagra began to spread. Symptoms included diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and finally death.

Many people believed that corn was in some way toxic, but could not explain the lack of pellagra among native New Worlders. After thousands of deaths, it was discovered that corn, although high in carbohydrates, lacked vitamin B3 (niacin). Farmers would sometimes eat little other than corn and succumb to the deficiency. The Native Americans had actually been using lime as a way of adding vitamin B3. Today it is well known that by eating a variety of foods vitamin B3 is freely obtained and pellagra is easily treated. 8 Biotin Deficiency Biotin deficiency is caused by a lack of vitamin B7 (biotin). It causes rashes, hair loss, anaemia, and mental conditions including hallucinations, drowsiness, and depression. Vitamin B7 itself is found in meat, liver, milk, peanuts, and some vegetables. Its deficiency is quite rare; however, there was a brief spike in the number of cases when it became popular for bodybuilders to consume raw eggs. One of the proteins found in raw egg white binds vitamin B7 and makes it difficult for the body to use, leading to a deficiency. Cooking egg whites makes this protein inactive.

Mild biotin deficiency is also found is about half of all pregnant women due to a higher use of vitamin B7 in their bodies, and supplements are recommended for such women by the World Health Organisation. 7 Scurvy Scurvy was first noted among people who spent a long time at sea. Boats would only carry non-perishable foods such as salted meats and dried grain, so sailors ate few if any fruits or vegetables. Scurvy causes lethargy, skin spots, bleeding gums, loss of teeth, fever, and death. Ancient sea-faring civilizations would cure it with various herbs. In more recent times, these ancient cures were not used consistently and their value was not realized. In the 18th century horse meat and citrus fruits were found to cure scurvy, and British sailors consumed limes to the extent that they were nicknamed ‘limeys’. It is now known that these foods contain vitamin C, and in modern times scurvy is rarely fatal as it once consistently was. Today, there are groups who advocate vitamin C megadoses of hundreds of times the recommended daily requirement; although any positive effects have not been firmly demonstrated and harmful overdoses can occur.

Scurvy might be a thing of the past, but there are still plenty of vitamins you might be missing. Buy 8 Vital Dietary Nutrients We Need (And Aren’t Getting Enough Of) at Amazon.com! 6 Rickets Rickets causes muscles and bones to become soft, which can cause permanent deformities in children. It is most common in children and infants who have a poor diet or who are housebound, but is nowadays relatively rare in developed countries. Breast-fed babies are at higher risk if they or their mothers do not take in enough sunlight, and baby formula is now designed to prevent this. Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D or of calcium. Vitamin D is required for calcium to be properly absorbed into bones to strengthen them. Adults rarely develop rickets because their bones are not growing and do not need much calcium. Vitamin D itself is obtained from many foods but the body can only use it if it has been converted into its active form via sunlight. In recent years there has been a slight increase in children with rickets possibly due to too many of them staying indoors. 5 Ariboflavinosis This condition is present mostly in people who suffer from malnutrition and in alcoholics.

It causes distinctive bright pink tongues, although other symptoms are cracked lips, throat swelling, bloodshot eyes, and low red blood cell count. Ultimately it can cause comas and death. It is caused by a lack of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), but easily treated by eating foods rich in vitamin B2, including meat, eggs, milk, mushrooms, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin B2 is also used as artificial orange color in foods. It is absorbed through the liver, so alcoholics might eat enough of it but be unable to use it. True deficiencies are rare, but about 10% of people in developed countries live in a state of slight deficiency, thought to be from a diet of highly processed foods. Constant slight deficiencies can increase the risk of mild health problems. 4 Vitamin K deficiency This deficiency affects nearly half of all newborn infants worldwide. In severe cases it causes uncontrolled bleeding and underdeveloped faces and bones. Many hospitals give newborns vitamin K injections to avoid the more severe symptoms. Unfortunately babies born outside hospitals are statistically at a much higher risk of serious deficiencies. Vitamin K is found chiefly in leafy green vegetables, although human gut bacteria help produce it in humans.

Newborns have not yet developed gut bacteria which is why they are so prone to deficiencies. Other than newborns, vitamin K deficiency is found in alcoholics, bulimics, strict dieters, and people with various severe diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Adults who bruise or bleed easily sometimes have vitamin K deficiency which itself may be indicative of one of these more serious disorders. 3 Hypocobalaminemia This mouthful of a disease was first noticed as a symptom of an autoimmune disease. It causes gradual deterioration of the spinal cord and very gradual brain deterioration, resulting in sensory or motor deficiencies. Mental disorders from the gradual brain damage begin as fatigue, irritability, depression, or bad memory. As the disease progresses over several years, psychosis and mania can appear. This damage is irreversible and is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12. Fortunately, this vitamin is easily found in meat, dairy, and eggs. Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver and can last for years before deficiency sets in. Hypocobalaminemia is most common in developing countries amongst people who eat few animal products.

The most at-risk groups in developed countries are vegans, as no plant produces enough B12 for a human diet. Children need much more B12 than adults because they are growing, so infants who are only breast-fed can become deficient and suffer permanent brain damage if their mother is only slightly deficient. Supplements are recommended for people of all diet types as an easy way to avoid the devastation of this disease. 2 Paraesthesia Vitamin B5 is found in nearly every food, and deficiencies are found in people who have been starving, volunteers of particular medical studies, and people on diets restricted to a very small number of foods. A deficiency in vitamin B5 causes chronic paraesthesia. Paraesthesia is most familiar to us as the numbing sensation we feel as ‘pins and needles’ or a limb ‘falling asleep’. This kind of paraesthesia is perfectly normal; however, in vitamin B5 deficiencies it occurs constantly. Malnourished prisoners of war sometimes reported prickling and burning sensations in their hands and feet which is now thought to have been paraesthesia. As this is nearly unseen today, most vitamin supplements do not include B5. 1 Night Blindness The Ancient Egyptians and Greeks wrote about night blindness, or ‘nyctalopia’.

This affliction makes it impossible to see in dim light, and sufferers become completely blind when night falls. The Egyptians found that they could cure sufferers by feeding them liver, which contains high levels of vitamin A, the deficiency of which causes night blindness. Vitamin A deficiency still affects one third of all children on Earth under the age of five, resulting in over half a million deaths each year. Most high dose vitamins obtain their vitamin A from liver, which is dangerous at high levels and can cause various health complications. In the past, starving Antarctic explorers would eat their dogs for food but became sick when they ate too much liver. Vitamin A found in carrots is a slightly different molecule to that found in liver and is not toxic in high doses, although it can cause skin to turn yellow. During the Second World War, the Allies announced that they ate carrots to see well, although carrots only help maintain normal vision and do not improve it beyond this. Actually they were lying to hide their development of radar. More Great Lists TNAU Agritech Portal :: Sustainable Agriculture Source : WHO / UNICEF / VACG Task Force, 1988.

VITAMIN D (7 - DEHYDRO CHOLESTROL) The chief signs in fully developed active rickets are found in the chest wall (beading), waists and ankles (thickening) and various deformities (knock - knees and bow legs). The child is restless, fretful and pale with flabby and toneless muscles, which allow the limbs to assume unnatural postures. Development is delayed so thatthe teeth often erupt late and there is failure to sit up, stand, crawl and walk at the normal ages. There is usually a protuberant abdomen so called potbelly. ii. OSTEOMALACIA It may be called as adult rickets. It occurs generally in pregnant women. The changes in bone are similar to rickets. Skeletal pain is usually present and persistent and ranges from a dull ache to severe pain. Muscular weakness is often present and the patient may find difficulty in climbing stairs or getting out of a chair.

Vitamin E deficiency in animals causes several disorders such as reproduction failure, liver necrosis, etc, SOURCES Vegetable oils, nuts and whole grams are the richest natural sources of vitamin E (wheat germ oil contains 120 mg/100 g oil) Rice bran oil contains a high amount of unsaponifiable compounds such as tocotrienols and oryzanol which have antioxidant activity. It is present in small quantities in lettuce, grasses and embryos of many seeds. In general plant foods are richer sources of vitamin E than animal foods. Vitamin E content of vegetable oils is found to be higher than many other foodstuffs. Prior heating of the oil is a common method used for many of our food preparations. It is seen from Table that oils when heated to their smoking points lost appreciable amounts of tocopherols; this loss correspondingly increased with the length of duration heating. When the oils are oxidized in the presence of air, peroxides are formed and tocopherols are destroyed. Vitamin E content of foods Name of the foodstuff Vitamin K deficiency leads to haemorrhagic conditions.

SOURCES The concentration of vitamin K in foods is highest in dark green leafy vegetables but is also found in fruits, tubers, seeds and dairy and meat products. Vitamin K usually occurs in association with chlorophyll in the chloroplases of plants. Alfalfa is a specially rich source. The average diet provides enough vitamin K hence there is no need for a supplement. VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID) Severe Vitamin C deficiency results in the development of the disease scurvy. The disease is characterized by a) General weakness followed by shortness of breath, pain in bones, joints and muscles of the extremities. b) Swollen and tender joints, haemorrhages in various tissues and pain in joints. c) Bleeding gums and loose teeth. In infantile scurvy, the infant screams if picked up or moved or handled. There is pain and tenderness of the limbs. VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE) Thiamine deficiency causes the disease, beriberi, in human beings. Two forms of beriberi namely wet beriberi and dry beriberi occurs in adults.

The first symptoms are anorexia (loss of appetite) with heaviness and weakness of the legs. There is pain and numbness in the legs. The subjects feel weak and get easily exhausted. Oedema is the important feature of wet beriberi. The calf muscles are swollen. The pulse is fast and bouncing. The heart becomes weak and death occurs due to heart failure. In infantile beriberi, the first symptoms are restlessness, sleeplessness and cardiac failure. VITAMIN B2 OR RIBOFLAVIN Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | University of Maryland Medical Center Depression Abdominal discomfort People with thiamine deficiency also have trouble digesting carbohydrates. This allows a substance called pyruvic acid to build up in the bloodstream, causing a loss of mental alertness, difficulty breathing, and heart damage, a disease known as beriberi. Beriberi The most important use of thiamine is to treat beriberi, which is caused by not getting enough thiamine in your diet.

Symptoms include: Swelling, tingling, or burning sensation in the hands and feet Confusion Trouble breathing because of fluid in the lungs Uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus) People in the developed world usually do not get beriberi because foods such as cereals and breads are fortified with vitamin B1. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. Wernicke-Korsakoff is actually two disorders. Wernicke disease involves damage to nerves in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is often caused by malnutrition due to alcoholism. Korsakoff syndrome is characterized by memory problems and nerve damage. High doses of thiamine can improve muscle coordination and confusion, but rarely improves memory loss. Cataracts Preliminary evidence suggests that thiamine, along with other nutrients, may lower the risk of developing cataracts. People with plenty of protein and vitamins A, B1, B2, and B3 (or niacin) in their diet are less likely to develop cataracts.

Getting enough vitamins C, E, and B complex vitamins, particularly B1, B2, B9 (folic acid), and B12, may further protect the lens of your eyes from developing cataracts. More research is needed. Alzheimer disease Lack of thiamine can cause dementia in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. So researchers have speculated that thiamine might help Alzheimer disease. Oral thiamine has been shown to improve cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer. However, absorption of thiamine is poor in elderly individuals. More research is needed before thiamine can be proposed as a treatment for Alzheimer disease. Heart failure Thiamine may be related to heart failure because many people with heart failure take diuretics (water pills), which help rid the body of excess fluid. But diuretics may also cause the body to get rid of too much thiamine. A few small studies suggest that taking thiamine supplements may help. Taking a daily multivitamin should provide enough thiamine. Depression Low levels of thiamine are associated with depression. In one study of elderly Chinese adults, poor thiamine levels were associated with a higher risk of depression.

Dietary Sources Most foods contain small amounts of thiamine. Large amounts can be found in: Pork Blackstrap molasses Available Forms Vitamin B1 can be found in multivitamins (including children's chewable and liquid drops), B complex vitamins, or it can be sold individually. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, soft gels, and lozenges. It may also be labeled as thiamine hydrochloride or thiamine mononitrate. In cases of severe deficiency, thiamine can be administered intravenously. How to Take It As with all medications and supplements, check with your health care provider before giving vitamin B1 supplements to a child.

Daily recommendations for dietary vitamin B1, according to the National Academy of Sciences, are as follows: Pediatric Newborns, 6 months: 0.2 mg (adequate intake) Infants, 7 months to 1 year: 0.3 mg (adequate intake) Children, 1 to 3 years: 0.5 mg (RDA) Children, 4 to 8 years: 0.6 mg (RDA) Children, 9 to 13 years: 0.9 mg (RDA) Men, 14 to 18 years: 1.2 mg (RDA) Women, 14 to 18 years: 1 mg (RDA) Adult Men, 19 years and older: 1.2 mg (RDA) Women, 19 years and older: 1.1 mg (RDA) Pregnant or breastfeeding women: 1.4 mg (RDA) Doctors determine the appropriate doses for conditions like beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Doctors give thiamine intravenously for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

A daily dose of 50 to 100 mg is often taken as a supplement. Thiamine appears safe in these doses. But you should talk to your doctor before taking a large amount. Precautions Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. Thiamine is generally safe. Very high doses may cause stomach upset. Taking any one of the B vitamins for a long period of time can result in an imbalance of other important B vitamins. For this reason, you may want to take a B-complex vitamin, which includes all the B vitamins. Possible Interactions If you are currently taking any of the following medications, you should not use vitamin B1 without first talking to your doctor. Digoxin: Laboratory studies suggest that digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions, may reduce the ability of heart cells to absorb and use vitamin B1. This may be particularly true when digoxin is combined with furosemide (Lasix, a loop diuretic).

Diuretics (water pills): Diuretics, particularly furosemide (Lasix), which belongs to a class called loop diuretics, may reduce levels of vitamin B1 in the body. It is possible that other diuretics may have the same effect. If you take a diuretic, ask your doctor if you need a thiamine supplement. Phenytoin (Dilantin): Preliminary evidence suggests that some people taking phenytoin have lower levels of thiamine in their blood, which may contribute to the side effects of the drug. However, this is not true of all people who take phenytoin. If you take phenytoin, ask your doctor if you need a thiamine supplement. Supporting Research Ambrose, ML, Bowden SC, Whelan G. Thiamin treatment and working memory function of alcohol-dependent people: preliminary findings. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2001;25(1):112-16. Bonucchi J, Hassan I, Policeni B, Kaboli P. Thyrotoxicosis associated with Wernicke's encephalopathy. J Gen Intern Med.

2008;23(1):106-109. Bruno EJ Jr, Ziegenfuss TN. Water-soluble vitamins: research update. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2005 Aug;4(4):207-13. Review. Costantini A, Pala MI. Thiamine and fatigue in inflammatory bowel diseases: an open-label pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2013;19(8):704-8. Cumming RG, Mitchell P, Smith W. Diet and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.Ophthalmology. 2000;107(3):450-56. Daroff. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. DiNicolantonio JJ, Niazi AK, Lavie CJ, O'Keefe JH, Ventura HO. Thiamine supplementation for the treatment of heart failure: a review of the literature. Congest Heart Fail. 2013;19(4):214-22.

Gibson GE, Blass JP. Thiamine-dependent processes and treatment strategies in neurodegeneration. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2007 Aug 8; [Epub ahead of print]. Isenberg-Grzeda E, Chabon B, Nicolson SE. Prescribing thiamine to impatients with alcohol use disorders: how well are we doing? J Addict Med. 2014;8(1):1-5. Jacques PF, Chylack LT Jr, Hankinson SE, et al. Long-term nutrient intake and early age-related nuclear lens opacities. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119(7):1009-19. Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 46. Kuzniarz M, Mitchell P, Cumming RG, Flood VM. Use of vitamin supplements and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2001;132(1):19-26. Lonsdale D.

A review of the biochemistry, metabolism and clinical benefits of thiamin(e) and its derivatives. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2006 Mar;3(1):49-59. Lu'o'ng K, Nguyen LT. Role of thiamine in Alzheimer's disease. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2011;26(8):588-98. McPherson & Pincus: Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2007. Moonen M, Lancellotti P, Betz R, Lambermont B, Pierard L. Beriberi. Rev Med Liege. 2007;62(7-8):523-30. National Academy of Sciences. Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Intakes for Individuals, Vitamins. Accessed June 1, 2011. Raschke M, et al. Vitamin B1 biosynthesis in plants requires the essential iron sulfur cluster protein, THIC. Proc Natl Acad Sci. USA.

2007;104(49):19637-42. Rodriquez-Martin JL, Qizilbash N, Lopez-Arrieta JM. Thiamine for Alzheimer's disease (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;2:CD001498. Roman-Campos D, Cruz JS. Current aspects of thiamine deficiency on heart function. Life Sci. 2014;98(1):1-5. Sarma S, Gheorghiade M. Nutritional assessment and support of the patient with acute heart failure. Curr Opin Crit Care. 2010 Oct;16(5):413-18. Review. Sica DA. Loop diuretic therapy, thiamine balance, and heart failure. Congest Heart Fail. 2007 Jul-Aug;13(4):244-47.

Soukoulis V, Dihu JB, Sole M, Anker SD, Cleland J, Fonarow GC, Metra M, Pasini E, Strzelczyk T, Taegtmeyer H, Gheorghiade M. Micronutrient deficiencies an unmet need in heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2009 Oct 27;54(18):1660-1673. Review. Thomson AD, Marshall EJ. The treatment of patients at risk of developing Wernicke's encephalopathy in the community. Alcohol. 2006 Mar-Apr;41(2):159-67. Epub 2005 Dec 29. Thompson J. Vitamins, minerals and supplements: part two. Community Pract. 2005 Oct;78(10):366-8. Review. Witte KK, Clark AL, Cleland JG. Chronic heart failure and micronutrients. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001;37(7):1765-74.

Alternative Names Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Evidence - Mayo Clinic Condition to which grade level applies A Metabolic disorders Taking thiamine by mouth may help some complications of metabolic disorders associated with genetic diseases. These include: Leigh's disease (a nervous system disorder causing movement problems), maple syrup urine disease (protein breakdown disorder in which urine smells like maple syrup), pyruvate carboxylase deficiency (rare disorder causing developmental problems in babies), and high blood levels of alanine, an amino acid. Long-term management should be under strict medical supervision. A Thiamin deficiency Humans depend on diet for their thiamine needs. Very little thiamine is stored in the body and depletion can occur within 14 days. Severe thiamine deficiency may lead to serious complications involving the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart, and stomach and intestines. Thiamine deficiency can be associated with alcoholism, poor nutrition, cancer, vomiting associated with pregnancy, bariatric surgery, and hemodialysis. Some people may be more at risk of thiamine deficiency. Those with thiamine deficiency or related conditions should receive supplemental thiamine under medical supervision.

B Alcoholism Alcoholics or those experiencing alcohol withdrawal are at risk of thiamine deficiency and its associated complications. Thiamine has been injected into the vein with other nutrients. Further research is needed on the impact of thiamine on alcoholism. B Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) Thiamine has been added to total parenteral nutrition (TPN, nutrition given through the veins) for people who cannot receive thiamine by mouth, such as a multivitamin. C Alzheimer's disease Thiamine deficiency can result in a form of dementia. The relationship of thiamine to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia has been studied. However, there is still controversy over whether thiamine supplementation may benefit people with Alzheimer's disease. More research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made. C Anemia Thiamine-responsive megablastic anemia (TRMA) is a genetic disorder that affects thiamine transport and conversion in the body. Thiamine has been studied for heart problems associated with TRMA, as well as other TRMA symptoms. More information is needed in this area. C Athletic performance Active people who reduce food intake may have a higher risk of vitamin deficiency, including thiamine deficiency.

More research is needed in this area. C Blood vessel clots B vitamins have been studied for the treatment of clots in blood vessels. Further research is needed in order to form conclusions. C Cancer Thiamine deficiency has been seen in some people with cancer, possibly due to medication use or poor nutrition. Currently, it remains unclear whether thiamine supplementation may benefit any particular types of cancer. Supplementation may be needed in people with cancer who have or are at risk of thiamine deficiency. C Cataract prevention Early evidence suggests that high dietary thiamine intake may help reduce the risk of cataracts. Further study is needed before a firm conclusion can be made. C Cerebellar ataxia (movement disorder due to brain cell damage) Early research suggests that thiamine supplementation may benefit people with cerebellar ataxia after an illness involving fever. Further research is needed. C Clogged arteries Blood sugar imbalances may increase the risk of clogged arteries. Thiamine has been studied as a way to help widen narrowed arteries. Regular thiamine intake may improve blood vessel function and slow the progression of clogged arteries in people with blood sugar imbalances. Further study is needed.

C Coma/hypothermia of unknown origin Thiamine is often recommended in people with coma or hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature) of unknown origin. Thiamine has been studied in people with reduced consciousness due to poisoning. More research is needed. C Crohn's disease Low thiamine levels have been reported in people with Crohn's disease (a form of inflammatory bowel disease). It is not clear whether regular thiamine intake may benefit people with this disease in general. C Diabetic complications Thiamine has been studied for complications associated with diabetes, involving the nervous system, eyes, blood vessels, and kidneys. Thiamine may improve complications such as increased urination, high levels of glucose in the urine, and high blood cholesterol levels. Regular thiamine intake may also help slow the progression of clogged arteries in some diabetics. More research is needed in this field. C Epilepsy Early research suggests that thiamine may improve attention and mental function in people who have epilepsy. Further research is needed. C Heart failure Long-term thiamine deficiency may cause heart failure, which requires thiamine supplementation. It is unclear whether thiamine supplementation may benefit people who have heart failure due to other causes.

However, it is reasonable for those with heart failure to take a daily multivitamin including thiamine. More evidence is needed before a firm conclusion can be made. C Kidney dysfunction Vitamin deficiency, including thiamine deficiency, has been linked to long-term kidney dysfunction. Taking a multivitamin is often suggested. However, further research is needed in this field. C Leg cramps Vitamin B supplements have been used to treat leg cramps during pregnancy. However, more studies are needed to determine if this is effective. C Menstrual cramps Early evidence suggests that thiamine may be effective for menstrual cramps. Further research is needed to confirm these results. C Mitochondrial disorders Thiamine has been studied as a treatment for mitochondrial disorders, which occur when there are defects in the mitochondria (a part of the cell that produces energy). More research is needed before conclusions can be made. C Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (PDH) PDH is a disorder caused by the buildup of lactic acid, which may be life-threatening and cause nervous system problems. Early evidence suggests that thiamine supplementation may benefit children with PDH. Further evidence is needed before a firm conclusion can be reached.

C Rheumatism (joint problems) Early evidence suggests that B vitamins may reduce pain. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of thiamine in rheumatism and related disorders. C Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) TMJ is a disorder of the chewing muscles and joints. A combination of indomethacin and thiamine has been studied for this condition, but was found to be less effective than acupuncture. More research is needed in this field. C Thiamin deficiency (elderly people) Thiamine levels may be lower in elderly people, although there is typically a lack of symptoms. There is limited evidence that thiamine supplementation may benefit people who have low thiamine blood levels. However, general multivitamin use has been suggested in elderly people. More research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made. D Hip fractures Early evidence shows that thiamine lacks benefit for hip fractures. However, research is limited and further study is needed. Uses based on tradition or theory The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven.

Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Abnormal heart rhythms, aging, AIDS/HIV, amnesia, antioxidant, arthritis, Bell's palsy (disorder of nerve that controls face muscles), bladder control, brain damage, canker sores, circulation improvement, death and dying, delirium, Down's syndrome, drug withdrawal, encephalopathy (brain disease), erectile dysfunction, eye disorders, fibromyalgia (long-term body-wide pain), Guillain-Barre syndrome (disorder in which immune system attacks nervous system), hair loss, hepatic encephalopathy (confused thinking due to liver disorders), high blood pressure, insect repellant, kidney failure, lactic acidosis (lactic acid build up), learning, liver damage from drugs or toxins, liver disease, loss of appetite, low back pain, lung disorders, malaria, memory enhancement, menstrual problems, migraine, mood, motion sickness, multiple sclerosis, muscle weakness, myelodysplastic syndrome (disorder of blood cells in the bone marrow), nervous system disorders, neuropathy (nerve damage), optic nerve dysfunction, pain, parasites, poisoning, radiation side effects, refeeding syndrome prevention (metabolic disorders caused by feeding after starvation or poor nutrition), stomach disorders, stress, sudden infant death syndrome (

SIDS), tetanus (bacterial infection of the nervous system), tissue healing after surgery, vitamin and nutrient deficiency, weight loss.

Beriberi (Thiamine Deficiency): Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology Overview Background Thiamine deficiency, or beriberi, refers to the lack of thiamine pyrophosphate, the active form of the vitamin known as thiamine (also spelled thiamin), or vitamin B-1 (see the image below). Thiamine pyrophosphate, the biologically active form of thiamine, acts as a coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism through the decarboxylation of alpha ketoacids. It also takes part in the formation of glucose by acting as a coenzyme for the transketolase in the pentose monophosphate pathway. (See Treatment and Medication.) Beriberi in an adult patient. See 21 Hidden Clues to Diagnosing Nutritional Deficiencies, a Critical Images slideshow, to help identify clues to conditions associated with malnutrition. Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin that is absorbed in the jejunum by 2 processes. When the thiamine level in the small intestines is low, an active transport portal is responsible for absorption. When the thiamine concentration is high, a passive mucosal process takes place.

Up to 5 mg of thiamine is absorbed through the small intestines. The small intestine is where phosphorylation of thiamine takes place. [ 1 ] The body cannot produce thiamine and can only store up to 30 mg of it in tissues. Thiamine is mostly concentrated in the skeletal muscles. Other organs in which it is found are the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. The half-life of thiamine is 9-18 days. It is excreted by the kidney. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ] Persons may become deficient in thiamine by not ingesting enough vitamin B-1 through the diet or may become deficient through excess use; the latter may result from hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, lactation, or fever. Prolonged diarrhea may impair the body's ability to absorb vitamin B-1, and severe liver disease impairs its use. (See Pathophysiology, Etiology, Presentation, and Workup.) [ 6 , 7 ] Dietary thiamine References Wooley, JA. Characteristics of thiamin and its relevance to the management of heart failure. Nutr Clin Pract.

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Causes for the occurrence of the Beriberi disease Beriberi disease is a disease caused by vitamin B1(thiamine) deficiency. Primary cause of the disease is malnutrition in the form of reduced intake of essential nutrients by the economically weaker sections of the society. Beriberi disease also occurs in populations who take polished white rice as main staple food. Most of the cereals and grains have vitamin B1(thiamin) available in their outer skin. While refining and polishing them, the vitamin B1 is lost in the husk/bran. Food containing high levels thiaminase like polished rice, raw shellfish, raw freshwater fish, ferns may lead to depletion of thiamine. Betel nuts, tea and coffee which contain anti thiamine factors can cause deficiency of thiamin and beriberi disease. In regions of famine when the available meagre food excludes vitamin B1 sources like whole grains, green vegetables, fruits, legumes and animal sources of food like meat and milk, the whole population may suffer from the deficiency and get affected by Beriberi. In alcoholics due to their careless food habits combined with poor absorption and/or poor utilisation of thiamin Beriberi can occur.

Patients who had gastric bypass surgery are predisposed to develop beriberi. Infants who are milk dependent and are nursed by vitamin B1 deficient mothers develop infantile beriberi. Severe diseases of the liver, chronic diarrhea, long spell of febrile illness, pregnancy and diseases of thyroid glands can lead to vitamin B1 deficiency and beriberi. Patients on dialysis loose thiamine considerably and have the risk of getting beriberi if supplements are not taken. People taking diuretics are under the risk of developing deficiency of vitamin B1, as increased urination causes more loss of thiamine. Impaired digestive system (usually found in elderly persons), celiac disease and tropical sprue can lead to beriberi. Genetic beriberi (a hereditary disease) is a rare condition in which thiamin cannot be absorbed by the body. This condition sets in adults. Symptoms and signs of Beriberi Human body cannot produce vitamin B1. Thiamin being water soluble, in excess is excreted in urine. In the human body vitamin B1 is stored in small quantities in skeletal muscles, heart, kidneys, liver and brain.

If thiamine intake is stopped totally, whole thiamin store will be depleted within a month. Early symptoms are nonspecific like general weakness and fatigue and are followed by weight loss, pain and weakness in extremities, resting tachycardia (abnormally high heart beat rate even in resting condition), disturbed emotions, decreased reflex actions, peripheral neuropathy and edema. These symptoms of beriberi can start occurring just about ten days from the stopping of vitamin B1 intake in healthy persons. Effects of Beriberi disease on health If not treated the end result of beriberi is failure of heart and death. Depending on the prominent body systems affected the terms dry beriberi and wet beriberi are used. In wet beriberi, the circulatory system and the renal system are affected. Initially in wet beriberi vasodilation occurs. This leads to high cardiac output. Renal system responds to this by salt and fluid retention. This in turn leads to edema of the extremities more particularly legs. With the increased fluids the heart has high workload of pumping the increased volume of blood to reach out to all parts.

This results in the weakening of heart, heart enlargement, fluids in the lungs, rapid heartbeat and heart muscle injury due to overuse. With the weakening of heart its output gets reduced. Due to lack of oxygenated blood, cyanosis (blue colouration due to lack of oxygenated blood) of the hands and legs occurs. With poor level of oxygen in the blood heart muscles may stop functioning and heart failure may occur. In dry beriberi disease, which involves the nervous system, damage to the nerves and brain occurs. Treatment for Beriberi The immediate treatment for this disease is thiamine supplements as injections and/or oral tablets.A nutritive diet also should be given. Immediate improvement can be observed in the condition of the beriberi patient after administration of thiamin hydrochloride injections. In the initial stages heart damage is reversible when treated properly. In the later stages even if the life is saved by the treatment, the patient may have to live with impaired heart function. The damage to the nervous system is reversible if treated early. However some effects like poor memory and memory loss may remain.

Prevention of Beriberi A balanced diet consisting of both animal and plant sources of food can prevent not only vitamin B1 deficiency caused disease like beriberi, but also all types of vitamin deficiency caused diseases. We should use whole cereals and whole wheat flour, as sufficient thiamin can be obtained from them. Regular intake of potatoes, oatmeal, oranges, eggs and liver can prevent beriberi in normal healthy person. Alcoholics should give up alcohol and correct their food habits and take food rich in vitamin B1. Pregnant women should take food rich in thiamine and take vitamin B1 supplements as per doctor's advice. Lactating mothers also should take nutritive food and vitamin supplements. When infants are weaned care should be taken to ensure availability of vitamin B1 in the baby food to ward of beriberi disease. Related posts: Top 5 Signs of Vitamin B1 Deficiency Top 5 Signs of Vitamin B1 Deficiency Tuesday, 08 Mar 2011 12:20 PM Close A A Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is one of the most important members of the B group of vitamins.

Also known as aneurin, this vitamin helps prevent neuritic and beriberi. B1 vitamin benefits include prevention of severe eye fatigue and neurodegeneration. Vitamin B1 deficiency can be caused by a number of factors and diseases such as alcoholism, HIV, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Additional B1 vitamin benefits include keeping the mucous membranes of the body healthy and maintaining the cardiovascular, neurological, and muscular regions. Listed below are the top five signs of deficiency of vitamin B1: Deficiency of vitamin B1 may lead to chronic diseases. One of them is Beriberi which is a neurological and cardiovascular disease. There are three types of beriberi. One of them, called wet beriberi has been associated with cardiovascular disease and is one of the most chronic symptoms of the deficiency of vitamin B1. In addition, B1 vitamin benefits include prevention of lung congestion, increased heart rate, as well as heart failure. Another chronic symptom is dry beriberi which affects both the cardiovascular as well as the nervous system. Once again, B1 vitamin benefits include prevention of abnormal development of muscles and nerves, pricking and burning sensation in the toes and feet, leg cramps and atrophy or wasting of the muscles.

Brain abnormalities are also one of the common signs of deficiency of vitamin B1. These abnormalities include the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This disease causes various difficulties such as eye problems, difficulty walking, and general confusion. In worse cases, this could result in a coma and ultimately death. In addition, B1 vitamin benefits include prevention of infantile Beriberi. Deficiency of vitamin B1 in breastfeeding mothers may cause infants to partially lose their voice. Numerous food sources of vitamin B1 exist. These include vegetables such as cauliflower, beans, carrots, and beetroot. In addition, rice, wheat, nuts and pulses also contain vitamin B1. © Newsmax. All rights reserved.

Question: Lack of vitamin B1 causes what disease in humans?
Answer: Beri-Beri